09/05/2023
Let’s Talk Specialty Coffee
If you’re a coffee lover, you’ve likely heard the term “specialty coffee” thrown around. But what exactly is this, and why is it worth seeking out?
These factors contribute to a coffee being designated as "specialty":
Origin: Specialty coffees are often single-origin, meaning they come from one place, whether it's a specific country, a region within a country, or even a single farm.
Growing Conditions: These coffee beans are often grown in optimal natural conditions, making use of the local climate, soil composition, and altitude to create a unique product.
Harvesting: Specialty coffee is often hand-harvested to select only the ripest cherries.
Processing: After harvesting, specialty coffee is processed carefully to remove defects and prepare the beans for roasting.
Roasting: The roasting process is meticulously controlled to bring out the unique flavors of the beans.
Grading: Specialty coffee beans usually go through a rigorous grading process often supervised by entities such as the SCA or Cup of Excellence. They typically score 80 points or above on a 100-point scale.
Preparation: Even the best beans can be ruined by poor preparation, so specialty coffee also refers to the art of brewing. Baristas often undergo rigorous training to ensure that coffee is brewed to exact standards.
Freshness: Specialty coffee is usually sold as whole beans that are ground just before brewing and is often consumed as soon after roasting as possible.
Traceability: Often, you can trace specialty coffee back to its origin, and it's not uncommon for roasters to develop direct relationships with growers.
Sustainability: Many specialty coffee producers also emphasize sustainable and ethical practices, although this is not a requirement to be considered "specialty coffee."
So now knowing this, grab a bag of high-quality beans, experiment with different brewing methods, and start savoring your destiny in a cup☕️✨
